Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam listing for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of criticism erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game's store page, is intended to clarify the studio’s current stance on AI usage and to address the allegations that have been circulating online. The full disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024.
Ms. Sacco has asserted that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI tools that were allegedly employed during the creation of the game." In a series of interviews and social‑media posts, Karch attempted to contextualize the situation. He claimed that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added that, looking back, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." This admission sparked further debate about the ethics of substituting human creative labor with machine‑generated content, especially in a field where narrative and design nuance are highly valued.
During an episode of the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had no personal recollection of the writer. He continued, "We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, noting, "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers." He suggested that leveraging AI could help keep costs down, potentially allowing the studio to offer the game at a more affordable price point while still delivering a polished experience. The controversy took another turn when Sacco posted on the social‑networking platform BlueSky over the weekend.
In her message, she wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She added, "I've been firm from the beginning that I was telling the truth; I think we can all now agree that it's been borne out. Matt expressed a desire to make it right with me; at this time I don't really know what that looks like for me, and I'll have to take some time to sit with it, but I do at least accept his apology." Karch also issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, where he reflected on his own conduct. "I unfortunately got triggered by certain later comments (for reasons I won't get into) and shot first and thought second about how to respond," he wrote. "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify." The exchange highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in game development. While many studios are experimenting with AI for tasks such as procedural content generation, texture upscaling, and even dialogue drafting, the question of when and how to replace human writers remains contentious. Critics argue that AI lacks the lived experience and emotional depth necessary to craft compelling narratives, whereas proponents point to the efficiency gains and cost savings that machine‑assisted writing can provide. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is positioned as a lower‑budget title that simulates the day‑to‑day challenges of rideshare drivers.
The developers have emphasized realistic physics, dynamic city environments, and a focus on the economic pressures faced by gig‑economy workers. By integrating AI tools, Saber Interactive hopes to streamline certain aspects of the development pipeline—such as generating repetitive mission briefings or polishing in‑game text—while still preserving the core gameplay experience. Industry observers note that the public apology from Karch may be an attempt to mitigate reputational damage and to reassure both the gaming community and potential investors that the studio remains committed to ethical practices. The addition of the AI disclaimer on Steam serves as a tangible acknowledgment that transparency is becoming an expected norm when AI is employed in creative projects.
Looking ahead, the situation could set a precedent for how other developers handle similar disputes. If AI continues to be adopted at scale, studios may need to develop clearer policies regarding attribution, compensation, and the circumstances under which AI can replace human contributors. Some experts suggest that future contracts might include explicit clauses about AI usage, ensuring that writers and artists are informed about how their work will be supplemented or substituted. For now, Saber Interactive appears to be moving forward with its plan to release Rideshare Simulator later this year, with the AI disclaimer now part of the official product description.
Whether this move will satisfy critics or simply serve as a temporary patch remains to be seen. The ongoing dialogue between the studio, its former employee, and the broader gaming audience underscores the evolving relationship between technology and creativity in an industry that is constantly redefining its boundaries.